It’s not every day that a six-year-old steals the spotlight in the baseball card world, but that’s precisely what Champ Stutts did in Texas. With a collection that already surpassed a thousand cards, this budding enthusiast struck gold when he stumbled upon a “one of one” Paul Skenes Onyx card—a discovery so rare that even seasoned collectors looked on in awe.
Champ’s remarkable find unfolded on a typical Monday when he opened a pack of cards and unearthed the ultra-scarce Paul Skenes card. His sheer delight, immortalized in a video captured by his mother Kristi and shared on their family’s TikTok account, “Stutts Family Fun,” rapidly amassed viral status.
In a twist of fate, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, who happens to be in a relationship with Paul Skenes, stumbled upon the video. Not only did Dunne leave a comment on the TikTok post, but she also shared the heartwarming moment with Skenes himself.
“She showed it to Paul Skenes,” Champ revealed excitedly. “And Paul Skenes commented. I think he said, ‘You’re coming to one of my baseball games.'”
The excitement didn’t stop there. The Pittsburgh Pirates joined in on the celebration, reaching out to the Stutts family and pledging to send Champ a Paul Skenes jersey. This gesture solidified the unforgettable experience for the young fan, creating a bond with both the player and the team.
For Champ, his passion for baseball cards is a family legacy. His father, who initially began the quest for a Skenes Topps Chrome rookie patch card last November, has now passed down his enthusiasm for collecting to his son. The torch has even been passed to Champ’s two-year-old brother, who insists on snuggling up with cards every night.
Despite his affectionate role as a protective older brother, Champ sets boundaries. “Bro, don’t bend it,” he firmly instructs his sibling, ensuring that the more valuable cards remain in mint condition.
With newfound recognition and support from the Pirates and Skenes, the Stutts family is experiencing a wave of excitement. Champ’s love for baseball cards has not only united the family but also drawn them closer to their new favorite player and team.
The video shared by the Stutts family on TikTok, capturing Champ’s infectious joy at discovering the rare card, received an outpouring of positive responses. The comment section was flooded with well wishes and expressions of admiration for this young collector’s incredible find.
Champ’s story goes to show that sometimes, the most unexpected moments can lead to extraordinary experiences. This heartwarming tale of a young fan’s serendipitous discovery is a reminder of the unbridled joy and magic that sports and collectibles can bring to people of all ages.